January 12, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the young life of Dhruv Jurel, as the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman earned his maiden selection in the Indian Test squad. He is among the 16 players set to face England in the first two Tests starting January 25, 2024.
Having entered First Class (FC) cricket as a wicketkeeper-batsman in February 2022, Jurel has showcased an impressive performance throughout his career. In 19 FC innings, he accumulated 790 runs with an impressive average of 46.47, featuring a double-century and five half-centuries.
Additionally, he demonstrated his wicketkeeping skills with 34 catches and two stumpings. His commendable displays for Uttar Pradesh (UP) during the last two seasons have secured him his first selection to the national team.
3 best innings of Dhruv Jurel In First-Class Cricket:
#3 249 vs Nagaland
Jurel’s top score in First Class cricket is an impressive 249, achieved against Nagaland during a Ranji Trophy match at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, in a four-day game that commenced on December 20, 2022.
Jurel, typically occupying the middle-order, took on the role of an opener in this match, crafting a double century that propelled his team to 551/4 before the declaration. Nagaland struggled, posting scores of 136 and 185 in both innings, leading to UP’s victory by an innings and 230 runs.
In his exceptional knock, Jurel, displaying remarkable skills and composure as an opener, amassed 249 runs from 329 balls, featuring 26 boundaries and two sixes.
Exploiting the inexperienced Nagaland bowling attack, Jurel justified the management’s trust with a substantial century at the top of the order.
#2 64 on debut against Vidarbha
A debut innings holds a special place for any cricketer, and the same held for the young Jurel as he made his debut against Vidarbha at Sultanpur on February 17, 2022.
Batting at number seven in a challenging situation with his team at 169/5, Jurel, undeterred, played a valuable debut knock of 64, including 11 boundaries. Unfazed by the pressure, he contributed 85 runs with Akshdeep Nath for the sixth wicket.
Even after Nath’s dismissal, Jurel continued to score, helping UP reach 301 in the first innings. Despite the match ending in a draw, Jurel’s debut showcased a budding star in Indian domestic cricket.
#1 63 vs Kerala
Jurel had a positive start to 2024 during a Ranji Trophy match against Kerala in Alappuzha. With UP struggling at 124/5, Jurel, coming in at number seven, played a composed innings, scoring 63 off 123 balls.
His partnership of 143 with Rinku Singh for the sixth wicket was crucial, and he contributed 63 runs to the stand, featuring five boundaries and one six. Despite the match ending in a draw, Jurel played a mature innings, ensuring UP secured points through a first-innings lead.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
